(Pictured left to right; Lois Curtis, Sue Jamieson [attorney], Elaine Wilson)
What is Olmstead?
Olmstead refers to the landmark United States Supreme Court decision (Olmstead v. LC) that found “unjustified isolation of individuals with disabilities” through “undue institutionalization” was discrimination in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The Olmstead lawsuit was filed by Lois Curtis and Elaine Wilson, two women with behavioral health and developmental disabilities, who wanted to move from an institution to the community. Their doctors said they were able to do so, but the institution would not allow them to leave.
On June 22, 1999, the Supreme Court held that institutional placement of people with disabilities who can live in the community perpetuates the idea that people with disabilities are incapable of participating in community life. It also held that institutionalization severely diminishes the quality of everyday lives for people with disabilities, including family relationships, social activities, work or educational opportunities, economic independence, and cultural enrichment.
What does the Olmstead Decision mean?
It means that people with disabilities should have the same access to community life as people without disabilities. It opens the door for people with disabilities and their families to demand a full range of community services as alternatives to services provided in institutional settings. People with disabilities should have integrated lives in their communities and the same quality of life as those without.
Use the resources below to learn more about the Olmstead Decision and what it means for the Disability Community.
Olmstead Rights www.OlmsteadRights.org
United States Department of Justice Archive.ADA.gov/Olmstead/Olmstead_about.htm
Ohio Olmstead Task Force 